Future of orcas 'at risk of death' after being kept in abandoned theme park for five months
Warning: This article contains discussions of animal cruelty that some readers may find upsetting
Officials in France have spoken out about the future of the orcas that were 'left for dead' in an abandoned theme park.
Back in January, Marineland of Antibes closed its doors due to declining attendance and increased animal captivity regulations in the country after 55 years, leaving behind a pair of orcas - Wilkie and her son Keijo.
There have long been controversies about orcas - also known as killer whales - being kept in enclosures such as the ones at parks like SeaWorld, particularly in the wake of the trainers who were injured or killed during demonstrations and interactions with the orcas.
Advert
It took the death of Dawn Brancheau in 2010 for the American theme park chain to finally change its rules regarding the captivity of orcas, which are recognised as the largest member of the oceanic dolphin family.
Despite their potentially deadly nature, humans still have a responsibility for looking after the killer whales that are kept in captivity, which is why there has been outrage following the closure of a marine animal park in France earlier this year.
The two orcas are said to be living in a lime-covered, festering enclosure, with only skeleton staff returning to feed them as it stands, a situation they have tragically been in for over five months now.
12 bottlenose dolphins are also still stuck at the park.
Officials sadly seem no closer to determining the animals' fate and recently suggested that it could be a year before they are relocated at the earliest, with the French government having already blocked two potential rehoming deals that would've seen them move to a marine zoo in Japan or a whale sanctuary in Canada.
It is suggested that the travel would be too strenuous for the animals but with a move to a sanctuary in Spain also off the table, options are quickly running out.
A spokesperson for the French Ministry of Ecology has told the Mail Online: "With regard to the orcas and dolphins, an assessment by the Spanish Scientific Authority led the latter to oppose the transfer of the orcas and dolphins to Loro Parque (Tenerife) and the transfer of ten dolphins to the Madrid aquarium...
"The Authority concluded that the facilities did not meet the requirements in terms of surface area, volume and depth to house the specimens in optimum conditions.
"This unfavourable opinion means that authorisation cannot be granted to transfer these animals to Spain. Pending their transfer, the Minister for Ecological Transition, Biodiversity, Forestry, Sea and Fisheries is asking Parques Reunidos, Marineland's owner, to ensure that the animals continue to be cared for pending a future solution.
"At the same time, discussions have been held with the Italian, Greek and Spanish ministers to find a satisfactory solution that will ensure the animals' welfare. Although no solution has yet been found, discussions with the Italian minister have shown that the Taranto sanctuary project has the support of the authorities and could be ready within a year."
If you see an animal in distress and/or in need of help, contact the RSPCA's national animal cruelty line on 0300 1234 999 from 8am to 5pm seven days a week, or visit their website for further advice
Topics: Theme Park
James Moorhouse